Genetics News and Research

Latest Genetics News and Research

Changes in height can affect risk of coronary heart disease

The shorter you are- the more your risk of coronary heart disease. That's the key finding of a new study led by the University of Leicester which discovered that every 2.5 inches change in your height affected your risk of coronary heart disease by 13.5%. For example, compared to a 5ft 6inch tall person, a 5 foot tall person on average has a 32% higher risk of coronary heart disease because of their relatively shorter stature.

8 Apr 2015

New study could point to potential ways to address defects in learning, memory

Just as some people seem built to run marathons and have an easier time going for miles without tiring, others are born with a knack for memorizing things, from times tables to trivia facts. These two skills—running and memorizing—are not so different as it turns out.

8 Apr 2015

Study suggests possibility of developing personalized treatments for brain cancer

DNA mutations can cause cancer but in some cases, more mutations may mean a better prognosis for patients. A Yale-led comprehensive genomic analysis of more than 700 brain tumors has revealed one such subtype of the most malignant brain tumor, called glioblastoma, or GBM. This subtype possesses thousands of tumor-specific DNA errors or mutations instead of dozens observed in most glioblastoma cases. It is also associated with longer survival.

8 Apr 2015

Study identifies genetic variants linked to Hirschsprung’s disease

Genetic studies in humans, zebrafish and mice have revealed how two different types of genetic variations team up to cause a rare condition called Hirschsprung’s disease. The findings add to an increasingly clear picture of how flaws in early nerve development lead to poor colon function, which must often be surgically corrected.

8 Apr 2015

MGH investigators identify inflammatory molecule that plays key role in lupus

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) investigators have identified an inflammatory molecule that appears to play an essential role in the autoimmune disorder systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly known as lupus.

7 Apr 2015

High Throughput ChIP Sequencing

Chromatrap®, a business unit of Porvair Sciences, has announced a major product launch at the European Human Genetics Conference (Glasgow, UK) and the Festival of Genomics (Boston, USA) on the 6th June 2015 and 22nd-24th June 2015 respectively

From Chromatrap® - Porvair Sciences Ltd 6 Apr 2015

Amgen's Vectibix (panitumumab) receives EC approval for treatment patients with WT RAS mCRC

Amgen today announced that the European Commission approved a new use of Vectibix (panitumumab) as first-line treatment in combination with FOLFIRI for the treatment of adult patients with wild-type (WT) RAS metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC).

6 Apr 2015

Researchers discover genetic factors key to POMC cells

The little voice inside your head that tells you to eat, or stop eating, isn't a little voice - it's actually a cluster of about 10,000 specialized brain cells. And now, an international team of scientists has found tiny triggers inside those cells that give rise to this "voice", and keep it speaking throughout life.

6 Apr 2015

Mayo Clinic-led researchers combine genetic variants to improve identification of women with breast cancer

Recent large-scale genomic analyses have uncovered dozens of common genetic variants that are associated with breast cancer. Each variant, however, contributes only a tiny amount to a person's overall risk of developing the disease.

6 Apr 2015

New approach could help identify novel drug targets to combat lethal fungal infections

By modifying the CRISPR-Cas genome editing system, Whitehead Institute researchers are now able to manipulate Candida albicans' genome systematically--an approach that could help identify novel targets for therapies against this serious pathogen for which there are a limited number of anti-fungal agents.

6 Apr 2015

Case Western Reserve researchers explore ways to treat, cure TB

After discovering a unique group of people resistant to tuberculosis (TB) infection, Case Western Reserve researchers are leading an international team dedicated to understanding exactly how they fight off a disease that claims 1.5 million lives each year.

6 Apr 2015

Mouse model may help understand the physiology behind complex brain disorders

Complex brain disorders, such as autism or schizophrenia, still puzzle scientists because their causes lie hidden in early events of brain development, which are still poorly understood.

3 Apr 2015

NASH patients more likely to have increased intestinal permeability, shows study

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the more severe form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that can progress to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, is associated with leakiness of the intestinal wall, which in turn may worsen liver disease, according to research published in Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the new basic science journal of the American Gastroenterological Association.

3 Apr 2015

Myriad Genetics expands companion diagnostic collaboration with AstraZeneca

Myriad Genetics, Inc. today announced the expansion of its companion diagnostic collaboration with AstraZeneca. Under the terms of the expanded agreement, Myriad’s BRACAnalysis CDx test will be used to prospectively identify which patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer may respond to treatment with Lynparza (olaparib).

2 Apr 2015

International researchers examine efficacy of rVSV-ZEBOV-GP Ebola vaccine

The World Health Organisation declared the Ebola virus outbreak a public health emergency in August 2014; since then the development of vaccines against Ebola virus has been fast tracked.

2 Apr 2015

Canada's VSV-EBOV Ebola vaccine proves safe, effective in Phase 1 clinical trial

The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, and Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, Dr. Gregory Taylor, today welcomed the news of promising trial outcomes of Canada's VSV-EBOV Ebola vaccine. The results of several studies and trials bring the world closer to ending this global outbreak through the provision of a commercially available vaccine.

2 Apr 2015

Low doses of imatinib drug can push immune system to combat bacterial infections

Low doses of the anti-cancer drug imatinib can spur the bone marrow to produce more innate immune cells to fight against bacterial infections, Emory researchers have found.

1 Apr 2015

UTSA biologist recognized for showing leadership in advancing the discipline of reproductive biology

John McCarrey, professor of biology in the UTSA College of Sciences, has been selected to receive the Distinguished Service Award from the Society for the Study of Reproduction.

1 Apr 2015

Northwestern Medicine opens multidisciplinary treatment center for patients battling Huntington's disease

Northwestern Medicine recently launched a multidisciplinary center dedicated to the comprehensive treatment of patients battling Huntington's disease. The new center will focus on both patient care and research of the inherited disease that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain.

31 Mar 2015

Research reveals stark variation in genetic tests for inherited eye disease in England

New research from The University of Manchester published in the Journal of Community Genetics reveals a stark variation in genetic testing services for inherited eye disease in England.

31 Mar 2015

Genetics News and Research

Latest Genetics News and Research

Changes in height can affect risk of coronary heart disease

New study could point to potential ways to address defects in learning, memory

Study suggests possibility of developing personalized treatments for brain cancer

Study identifies genetic variants linked to Hirschsprung’s disease

MGH investigators identify inflammatory molecule that plays key role in lupus

High Throughput ChIP Sequencing

Amgen's Vectibix (panitumumab) receives EC approval for treatment patients with WT RAS mCRC

Researchers discover genetic factors key to POMC cells

Mayo Clinic-led researchers combine genetic variants to improve identification of women with breast cancer

New approach could help identify novel drug targets to combat lethal fungal infections

Case Western Reserve researchers explore ways to treat, cure TB

Mouse model may help understand the physiology behind complex brain disorders

NASH patients more likely to have increased intestinal permeability, shows study

Myriad Genetics expands companion diagnostic collaboration with AstraZeneca

International researchers examine efficacy of rVSV-ZEBOV-GP Ebola vaccine

Canada's VSV-EBOV Ebola vaccine proves safe, effective in Phase 1 clinical trial

Low doses of imatinib drug can push immune system to combat bacterial infections

UTSA biologist recognized for showing leadership in advancing the discipline of reproductive biology

Northwestern Medicine opens multidisciplinary treatment center for patients battling Huntington's disease

Research reveals stark variation in genetic tests for inherited eye disease in England

Sequencing & Genomics: Elevating Science and Healthcare eBook

Real-time Raman monitoring for pharmaceutical hot melt extrusion

Synthetic Psychedelics: A Growing Public Health Concern

How the Vutara VXL simplifies single-molecule imaging